Pettersen tied for LPGA lead; Kim falls back

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PORTLAND, Ore. - Defending champion Suzann Pettersen shot her second straight 5-under 67 on Saturday for a share of the third-round lead in the LPGA's Portland Classic.

Trying to match Nancy Lopez's record with her third victory in the event, Pettersen had an eagle, four birdies and a bogey at Columbia Edgewater. The fourth-ranked Norwegian star is winless this season after winning four times last year to push her career total to 14.

''I still feel the low one is out there. Got to go out tomorrow and just try to birdie as many holes as you can,'' said Pettersen, who birdied Nos. 16 and 17.

The last five times Pettersen has led or had a share of the lead after three rounds, she has gone on to win.

South Korea's So Yeon Ryu and I.K. Kim and China's Hi Yu Lin were a stroke back. Ryu, the Canadian Women's Open winner last week, and Lin shot 70. Kim, the leader after each of the first two rounds, had a 74.

Kim, who made 14 birdies during the first two rounds, took the lead after nine holes at 13 under, but slipped with bogeys on Nos. 11, 13 and 17.

''Just didn't make putts,'' Kim said. ''I hit a lot of good tee shots. The greens were firm, and a lot of pins were in front, so I misadjusted and had a lot of downhill putts. I couldn't be aggressive.''

Kim is trying to end a four-year winless streak on the LPGA, although she won on the Ladies European Tour in July.

''I still have a chance, but I just not happy with how I kind of scored today,'' Kim said.

Gigi Stoll, a senior at Beaverton High School who won the Portland Classic Amateur Open last week to earn a berth in the field, was even par after a 71.

South Korea's Jeong Jang, who announced her retirement this week, was even par after a 75. Countrywoman Hee Won Han, also retiring, had a 74 to reach 2 over.